Mello
Welcome to Val di Mello: an enchanted valley
Welcome to Val di Mello, a beloved destination for hikers, climbers and mountain enthusiasts. Located in the province of Sondrio, it is part of the municipality of Val Masino. The valley owes its name to the village of Mello, located about 20 km to the west, whose inhabitants have the right to graze in the valley.
The valley starts from the village of San Martino and ends against the group of Monte Disgrazia, with its summit visible beyond the watershed crest. The orographic left side of the valley is exposed to the north and shady, characterized by short and steep valleys, while the opposite side is exposed to the sun, with large secondary valleys such as Val Cameraccio, Val Torrone, Val di Zocca, Val Qualido and Val del Ferro, with stunning rock walls, moraine circles and waterfalls.
Val di Mello is known for its lithological nature with a granite rock called ghiandone, very compact and ideal for climbing. One of the most spectacular paths in the Alps, the Roma path, connects the heads of the major secondary valleys.
The Val di Mello Nature Reserve
In 2009, Val di Mello was recognized as a nature reserve by the Lombardy Region, becoming the largest protected area in Lombardy. One of the peculiarities of the reserve is that it is divided into two zones: an "integral" reserve and a "special zone."
The integral reserve is located on the orographic left and is only accessible to authorized forestry personnel. The special protected area is located on the orographic right and includes inhabited rural sites and adjacent valleys such as Val del Ferro. During the summer period, it is possible to enter only at certain times of the year and you must leave your car in the municipality of San Martino, the highest village in Val Masino.
How to visit Val di Mello
If you want to spend a hike in Val di Mello, one of the best ways is to take the Roma path, which crosses the main secondary valleys of the valley. The path will take you through a variety of spectacular landscapes, from rock walls to waterfalls and moraine circles.
If you are a climber, Val di Mello is a paradise for climbing. Here you can challenge the great panoramic rock walls, ranging from 500 to 1000 meters or more. Access to the twisted rock walls is easy, and there are numerous routes to satisfy all levels of experience.
If you are a hiker, you have many options to explore the valley, from easy walks on the plain to more challenging hikes on the trails between the secondary valleys and the highest mountains.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Val di Mello is a wonderful enchanted valley in the province of Sondrio, known for its great panoramic rock walls, waterfalls and moraine circles. It is also a destination for many climbers and hikers. In 2009, it was recognized as a nature reserve by the Lombardy Region, becoming the largest protected area in Lombardy. If you want to visit Val di Mello, there is the Roma path, but also many other options to explore this valley.
